Monday, January 14, 2008

The Immortal Rob Bell

Obviously not a Reds fan if you have never heard of Rob Bell. That's Right : Rob Bell. Stolen in a 1998 trade from the Braves along with Denny Neagle and Mike Tucker for Brett Boone and Mike Remlinger. Not sure who got taken on that deal. After posting a 13W 18L record along with a ho-hum 5.83 era in one and a half seasons he was traded to the Rangers. Where stars are made on the mound.

Ol' Rob was a high end prospect and good things were expected from him. I remember in 2000 trying to find his cards like this 1999 SP Autograph for under fifteen dollars. Not happening. I was able to pick this one up for $2.99 with shipping from an ebay store. That's what's happening nowadays. This is a good example of on card autos that work with the design. This was before stickers became prevalent and card manufactures created cards with a designated signing area.

Rob's signature is a bit of a mystery signature. I can make out there is supposed to be an i in the name. That is about it though. It is smooth and not jumpy and clustered like most autos, but not legible. The graphics on the card are cool in my view. These geometric patterns work on the card way better than 07 Topps squares. A nice clear portrait with an award winning smile. The hand showing how he gripped before he threw pitches he never mastered. And most importantly - the Reds logo. I cannot imagine a more important aspect of a card than that logo. It stands out. Is clear and crisp. Is what Devil Rays fans (all 800) wish they had. Overall. I give the card 2 bases out of a 4 bagger.